Author Topic: My poor Lab  (Read 1377 times)

Offline Stevex

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My poor Lab
« on: June 28, 2021, 04:35:19 PM »
Stan is our black Labrador, just turned 3.
We noticed he had an occasional limp and today we took him to a specialist vet. MRI showed he had bad elbows and both have been operated on, cleaning up the joints and removing some bone. He's overnighting there now.
When he gets home tomorrow he's got 8 weeks in a cage to look forward to. Hopefully the op will result will full recovery.
Anyone got a good and more comfortable alternative to the cone collar he has to wear for the first two weeks?

Offline Guzzi Gal

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2021, 04:41:53 PM »
May Stan recover quickly with no additional problems. There is a cone of shame that is more like a neck pillow. Just Google "dog neck pillow" and a bunch will come up.
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Offline Ncdan

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2021, 04:49:04 PM »
We went through 5 operations on both of  Daisy’s ACL’s. Hopefully all will go well snd Stan will have many healthy years with his family 👍🤞

Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2021, 04:51:38 PM »
Holly sends a few kisses to help Stan convalesce.



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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2021, 04:51:38 PM »

Offline Guzzistajohn

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #4 on: June 28, 2021, 04:52:06 PM »
I got one of those inflatable jobs for Max when he was neutered. I worked well. Get well soon Stan!

I got his on Chewy.com
« Last Edit: June 28, 2021, 04:53:58 PM by Guzzistajohn »
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Offline yogidozer

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #5 on: June 28, 2021, 05:18:05 PM »
Steve, sorry do read this. I recommend giving your buddy  Glucosamine.
1000mg a day. That should help. You can ask your vet, Walmart and most grocery stores sell it.
As your buddy recovers it would help if you have him lay on his side, calmly, and do a gentle range of motion.
This helps his joints free up. I think your vet will tell you, take it easy for probably about 4-6 months.
Swimming is helpful, not so stressful. Be very careful for awhile letting him chase a ball, squirrels, geese, etc.
Wishing him the best👍


Offline fotoguzzi

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #6 on: June 28, 2021, 05:57:20 PM »
Man that's got to be tough, keeping a lab still a near impossibility.
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Online Cam3512

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #7 on: June 28, 2021, 06:21:27 PM »
Get a script for Trazodone from your vet.  Totally safe, anti anxiety drug.  Should help get through the healing.
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Offline yogidozer

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #8 on: June 28, 2021, 06:26:34 PM »
Get a script for Trazodone from your vet.  Totally safe, anti anxiety drug.  Should help get through the healing.
For some dogs that  side effects. Try it, some do OK with it, some don't.
Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs
Drowsiness/lethargy.
Panting.
Anxiety/pacing.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Changes in appetite.
Increased aggression.

Online Cam3512

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #9 on: June 28, 2021, 06:33:59 PM »
For some dogs that  side effects. Try it, some do OK with it, some don't.
Trazodone Side Effects in Dogs
Drowsiness/lethargy.
Panting.
Anxiety/pacing.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Changes in appetite.
Increased aggression.

Like all drug side effects, it’s rare.  When I had my man-biting work dog we used to have to fly together in the cabin of an airplane .  It really relaxed him without knocking him out.  My vet swore by the safety of the stuff.  Humans take it too, with no side effects of anal bleeding or sudden death.
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Offline yogidozer

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #10 on: June 28, 2021, 06:48:56 PM »
Like all drug side effects, it’s rare.  When I had my man-biting work dog we used to have to fly together in the cabin of an airplane .  It really relaxed him without knocking him out.  My vet swore by the safety of the stuff.  Humans take it too, with no side effects of anal bleeding or sudden death.
All I'm saying is just be aware. I had a Boxer that had bad side effects from that.
He also had side effects from Deramaxx, also viewed as safe.
Anytime you give them a med. for the first time, keep an eye on them.
Better safe than sorry

Online Cam3512

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #11 on: June 28, 2021, 06:52:20 PM »
All I'm saying is just be aware. I had a Boxer that had bad side effects from that.
He also had side effects from Deramaxx, also viewed as safe.
Anytime you give them a med. for the first time, keep an eye on them.
Better safe than sorry

Agreed, but Boxers are so plagued with illnesses from stupid inbreeding, they’re not a good representation for side effects. 
« Last Edit: June 28, 2021, 06:53:02 PM by Cam3512 »
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Offline yogidozer

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #12 on: June 28, 2021, 06:53:53 PM »
Boxers are so plagued with illnesses from stupid inbreeding, they’re not a good representation for side effects.
Not an inbred, I never said  " anal bleeding or sudden death

Online Cam3512

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #13 on: June 28, 2021, 06:59:30 PM »
Not an inbred, I never said  " anal bleeding or sudden death

I know.  Anal bleeding and sudden death are some of the 100  side effects of human drug ads I see on TV.  Trying to be funny.
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Online Matt Story

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #14 on: June 28, 2021, 08:07:41 PM »
Bella, my 10 yr old terrier chihuahua mix was diagnosed with luxated patellas (dislocated knee caps) almost 2 years ago.  At first the symptoms weren't too bad (to the observer), just a stilted gate, slower motion, etc.  Things progressed and pain management became more difficult.  I was informed initially that there is a common surgical procedure to correct the condition, but it was usually done on much younger dogs. I finally decided to pursue the possible corrective surgery back in Dec 2020 if it was still recommended by the vets.  They were behind it, but were guarded in their conviction.  I was very pensive if this was the right thing to do for a dog of this age, if the trauma of recovery would be too much, if it would be worth the recovery.  I agonized over the decision to move forward with the surgery I had previously scheduled.  On top of everything else, the veterinary surgeons in my area are overbooked and difficult to get on schedule.  Cost was secondary to me, but the price was estimated at $2800 for one knee or $3500 for both at once.  To do one or two knees at once was another dilemma regarding the recovery, considering the dog may not be able to stand on her own for up to 2 weeks.  I consulted my usual sages for advice, but it was my 19 yr old son with a ray of wisdom that allowed me to see it in a different light and move forward with the surgery.  He did not dictate his wishes, but helped open a new frame of thought for me.  I moved forward without reconsideration.  He was proud to help his Dad through a tough spot.

Bottom line, is that is was tough going especially the first few days and weeks.  We followed the doctors orders to a T regarding medication, heat, cold and range of motion exercises.  Bella began to support her weight on her own before it was recommended and we kept her activity low per instructions.  In about 4 weeks, this old girl was trotting along like she might have a couple years ago.  The vet was impressed with her energy and recovery at each step along the way.  There have been some minor ups and downs since, but even as of this week, I can see she is still improving at 4 months on.  It was clearly the right thing to do.  I only wish I would have taken action much sooner than I did.

In hind sight, the recovery was much less difficult than I had feared before the operation.  The dog is clearly more active and happier than she was prior to the procedure.  Well worth the recovery and the certainly the costs

« Last Edit: June 28, 2021, 08:11:12 PM by Matt Story »
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Offline old head

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #15 on: June 28, 2021, 09:30:05 PM »

Have you seen this vet in England, absolutely amazing what can be done?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNu8q68tVeo

Prayers for Steve and your family.

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Offline Stevex

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #16 on: June 29, 2021, 03:52:03 AM »
Thanks for all your recommendations and good wishes guys, it's much appreciated.

Online chuck peterson

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #17 on: June 30, 2021, 07:03:47 AM »
Arfarf arf arf arfarf arfarfarf..




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Offline Kent in Upstate NY

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Offline Stevex

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Re: My poor Lab
« Reply #19 on: July 01, 2021, 02:59:49 AM »
Have you seen this vet in England, absolutely amazing what can be done?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNu8q68tVeo

Prayers for Steve and your family.

Old Head

Noel Fitzpatrick has a show on TV over here showing how he helps dogs with severe problems.
The vet who did Stan's elbows used to work with him.

 

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